LASEPA to issue noise-mapping permit for new projects

If a new proposal by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) is approved, property developers may obtain noise mapping permit from the in addition to planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning for new projects.

A noise map is a graphic representation of the sound level distribution and the propagation of sound waves in a given region, for a defined period.

The new policy, The Guardian learnt was to check the proliferation of businesses that generate noise in residential areas, thereby exposing over 20 million people to hearing loss.

To ensure successful implementation of the project, the agency said it would engage the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to arrive at a common ground on the issue.

General Manager, LASEPA, Antonio Ayodele revealed this at the International Noise Awareness day marked April 24 every year and a briefing to announce the 4th annual Stakeholders’ Interactive Session on noise pollution control in Lagos State scheduled for May 9, 2019.

The session is themed: ” Noise Mapping and New Urban Development Plan- The Lagos Experience”, and geared towards sensitising citizens on the dangers of noise and its attendant deleterious effects on the health of residents in an emerging smart city.

According to Ayodele, the plan is to ensure that new developments that will generate noise are not sited at residential areas.

He stressed that some developers, who bought existing houses, get planning permits and redevelop them for businesses that generate noises at the detriment of existing residents.

Ayodele, gave instance of the commercialisation of Adeniran Ogunsanya in Surulere, leading to the building of club houses, businesses and places of worship that generate noises, an attitude that original owners do not anticipate thereby forcing them to relocate.

He pledged that LASEPA would increase activities on advocacies to impress the people on the need to promote hearing conservation and celebrate the importance of quietness in order to achieve a noiseless Lagos, a smart city that is serene and calm.

Ayodele, who promised to revive the Horn Free Day established by the previous administration, said the agency is the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa to join in the celebration of International Noise Awareness Day, a worldwide campaign designed to educate students and the public about the impact of noise on hearing, health and quality of life.

According to him, LASEPA’s mandate is to ensure compliance with Environmental laws, regulations, guidelines and standards in the state.

Over time, noise pollution, which is an unwanted sound in excess of the permissible limits, he said, has become very prevalent in the environment, causing stress with severed health implications.

Also, an audiologist, Dr. Grahma Ameyaw of the Decibel Consultant, stressed the need for citizens to protect their health by protecting their hearing.

He attributed hearing loss intensity and duration to high sound decibels, stressing that prevention is key in maintaining good health, since managing hearing loss is very expensive.